Floricot

Floricot (Fludrocortisone) is a man-made form of a natural substance (glucocorticoid) made by the body. It is used along with other medications (e.g., hydrocortisone) to treat low glucocorticoid levels caused by disease of the adrenal gland (e.g., Addison`s disease, adrenocortical insufficiency, salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome). Glucocorticoids are needed in many ways for the body to function well. They are important for salt and water balance and keeping blood pressure normal. They are also needed to break down carbohydrates in your diet.

Take Floricot (Fludrocortisone) by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your physician. Your physician will adjust your dose to the one that is best for you. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

In order to get the most benefit from this medication, follow the dosing schedule carefully, and take this medication exactly as prescribed. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. If you are taking this medication on another schedule besides every day (e.g., only 3 days a week), it may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. Do not increase or decrease your dose, take this drug more often, or stop taking this medication without your physician`s approval. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Inform your physician if your condition persists or worsens.

Stomach upset, headache, and menstrual changes (e.g., delayed/irregular/absent periods) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your physician or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your physician has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your physician immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

• change in skin appearance (e.g., color changes, thinning, fatty areas)
• easy bleeding/bruising
• dizziness
• slow wound healing
• signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat, skin sores)
• bone/joint/muscle pain
• stomach/abdominal pain
• puffy face
• swelling of the hands/feet
• severe tiredness
• increased thirst/urination
• unusual weight gain
• muscle weakness

Tell your physician immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

• black stools
• eye problems (e.g., pain, redness, vision changes)
• severe/continuous headaches
• fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat
• mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, depression, mood swings)
• seizure
• vomit that looks like coffee grounds

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:

• rash
• itching
• swelling
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your physician or pharmacist.

Your physician or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

This drug should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur:

• mifepristone

If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your physician or pharmacist before starting fludrocortisone.

Before using this medication, tell your physician or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially:

• aldesleukin
• aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, indomethacin)
• blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)
• digoxin
• drugs to treat diabetes (e.g., insulin, glyburide)
• hormones (e.g., androgens, birth control pills, estrogens)
• immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine, natalizumab)
• vaccines
• drugs that may cause potassium loss (e.g., amphotericin B, "water pills" such as furosemide or thiazides)
• drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove fludrocortisone from your body (e.g., rifamycins such as rifampin/rifabutin, certain anti-seizure medicines such as barbituates/phenytoin)

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your physicians know you use this drug.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your physician or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your physician and pharmacist.